Coron, Palawan: Itinerary, Tips and Tricks

Coron is one of the stunning places in the Philippines. It is located at the northern part of Palawan with the population of more than 40,000 people with 18,000 registered voters. It consists of hidden white beaches, gigantic lakes, rich marine life, and shipwrecks.

One of my dream destination here in the Philippines is Coron, but because of my thrifty personality, I never purchased plane tickets since it’s too pricey compared to other domestic flights, even in promos. There are only few flights per day that are bound to Coron, but I was lucky that someone from Backpackers of the Philippines (an awesome travel group in Facebook) posted about the Php99.00 promo of Skyjet to Coron last July 2015. I immediately booked a 4 days and 3 nights trip and spent only Php565.00 per person for a round trip to Coron.

I am sharing our DIY itinerary in Coron. I didn’t include other prices like leisure and afternoon snacks. Rae and I spent Php5300.00 each since we’re just heavy eaters. Feel free to use my 4 days and 3 nights itinerary below.

Day 1
10:30 – 11:10 NAIA Terminal 4 to Francisco Reyes Airport
12:00 – 12:30 ETA at Marley’s Guesthouse
12:30 – 14:00 Check-In at Marley’s Guesthouse
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch at Kawayanan Grill
15:00 – 15:30 San Agustin Church
15:30 – 18:30 Lualhati Park
18:30 – 19:00 ETD Maquinit Hotspring
19:00 – 20:00 Maquinit Hotspring
20:00 – 21:00 Dinner

Day 2
06:00 – 08:00 Prep Up + Breakfast
08:00 – 17:00 Start Coron Island Tour A by JY Travels
(CYC Beach, Sunset beach/Atwayan Beach, Coral Garden, Quin Reef, Hidden Lagoon, Kayangayan Lake, Siete Pecados)
17:30 – 19:30 Wash Up + Relax
19:30 – 20:30 Dinner at Lolo Nonoy’s

Day 3
06:00 – 08:00 Prep Up + Breakfast
08:00 – 17:00 Start Coron Island Tour B by JY Travels
(Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Smith Beach, Reef Garden, Barracuda Lake, Siete Pecados)
17:00 – 17:30 Wash Up
17:30 – 19:00 Trek to Mt. Tapyas
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner at Bistro Coron
20:00 – 23:00 Jam at Marley’s

Day 4
07:00 – 08:00 Wake up
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
09:00 – 10:30 Buy Pasalubong
10:30 – 11:30 Check out at Marley’s Guesthouse
11:30 – 12:00 ETD in Marley’s Guesthouse
13:50 – 14:30 Francisco Reyes Airport to NAIA Terminal 4

For my detailed Budget and Itinerary, you may download Coron Itinerary + Budget. 🙂

Tips:
– The main transportation around Coron Town are tricycles for only Php10.00 each.
– You say “Mayad nga timprano” for Good Morning in Cuyonon. Cuyonon is the main dialect that they speak in Coron.
– People in Coron speak Tagalog too. (YEY! No dialect barrier)
– For the Coron Town Tour, I suggest that you do the trekking in Mt. Tapyas before 5PM, so that you may see the awesome sunset there.
– After the leg-trembling trek at Mt. Tapyas, visit the Maquinit Hot Spring for the most relaxing treat ever.
– We were required to wear aqua shoes during island hopping since it’s possible that you might step on sea urchins. You may rent them on stores near the port.

Indeed, Coron is one of the warmest and friendliest places that I visited in the Philippines. Every tourist is treated equally, may they be Filipinos or foreigners. The tricycle drivers never increased the price even if they know that you’re not really familiar with the place. The locals were awesome too!